Former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, has threatened to slam a ₦10 billion defamation lawsuit against the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), following controversial statements made during a recent television appearance.

In a formal pre-litigation letter of claim dated September 7, 2026, issued by the Chambers of Ubong Akpan, El-Rufai’s legal team demanded an immediate retraction and an unreserved public apology from the defence minister.

The dispute stems from an interview broadcast on September 3, 2026, on Channels Television. During the programme, General Musa allegedly linked the former governor to sensitive security matters during his tenure in Kaduna, including remarks on bandits, demolitions, ransom payments, and alleged state-planned killings in Southern Kaduna.

El-Rufai’s solicitors vehemently denied the claims, describing them as highly malicious, injurious, and defamatory. They noted that the broadcast remains heavily circulated across terrestrial networks, satellite TV, and social media platforms.

The legal team has given General Musa and his representatives 24 hours to acknowledge receipt of the notice and seven days to provide a substantive written response to the demands.

According to his lawyers, the proposed ₦10 billion demand serves as an administrative settlement condition rather than a court-ordered fine. Should the defence minister fail to recant his comments within the stipulated window, El-Rufai plans to initiate full legal actions to protect his reputation.